Chapter 30- Tying up Loose Ends
Leslie's eyes widened as they reached Remus and Anaka's home.
"It's so beautiful!" she exclaimed, "What a wonderful place to live!"
"Just wait till you see the lake," Anaka said with a smile.
They dragged their trunks to the front door and Remus quickly opened the door. He entered the house and smiled to himself as he looked at the familiar surroundings.
"Dad come on!" Anaka grunted as she dragged her trunk and her father's into the house.
Remus helped Harry and Leslie drag their trunks inside and then closed the door. He was about to tell them they would be staying upstairs when barking filled the house and a large black dog ran out of the kitchen.
"Sirius!" Harry cried, surprised.
"What on earth are you doing here?" Remus asked as Sirius stopped running and growling and trotted towards them. He smiled once he was back to himself.
"I did not know you were coming today," Sirius said hugging Harry, "Lelaca's been avoiding me as much as possible."
"Where is she?" Anaka asked.
"She's with Sunfire in the back giving him some exercise," he replied. Anaka smiled.
"Let's go see them Harry," she said opening the door. Sirius waited for the door to close before glaring at Leslie.
"What are you doing here?" he growled.
"I needed a place to stay and Remus offered. Well, Anaka did actually."
"She's going to stay here?" Sirius said turning to Remus, "You have got to be kidding me."
"Do you have a problem with me Super dog?" Leslie snapped.
"Maybe," Sirius replied. Remus sighed as he watched the scene.
"So when did you get here? You did kind of disappear after everything," Remus said changing the subject.
"I arrived only about two days ago," Sirius replied. Leslie rolled her eyes and looked over her trunks.
"How long will you be staying?" she asked.
"I don't know," Sirius answered, "Maybe longer then I expected now."
Leslie gave him a scolding look.
"Where can I bring my trunks?" she asked.
"Upstairs," Remus said quickly before Sirius could voice his nasty reply.
"Good. I'll bring them up. Oh and Remus can you remind me to do something?"
"Sure," Remus replied.
"Remind me to put extra locking spells on my trunks. I don't need him going through them."
Remus sighed and watched as Leslie walked up the stairs with one of her trunks floating behind her.
"You really need to get rid of her," Sirius mumbled, "She always seems to be around."
"So?" Remus said glaring at his friend, "If you are going to stay here you have to promise to be nice to her. Otherwise you can hand yourself in for all I care."
Sirius shook his head and smiled at his friend as Remus walked into the kitchen. Sirius followed.
"You are still hung up on her huh?" he teased.
"I'm not hung up on anyone," Remus mumbled as he started to make tea.
"Well you still like her, that's obvious."
"You just don't like her because she is the only girl you've known who did not like you."
"No one ever liked me! I don't know what you are talking about Remus."
"Oh please. Almost every girl in Hogwarts liked you."
"Almost is the key word in that sentence."
***********************************
Anaka ran across the yard, taking in the familiar settings. Harry ran beside her and they slowed down once Lelaca and Sunfire were in sight. Anaka smiled as she watched the pair.
"Sunfire looks good doesn't he?" Anaka asked Harry absently.
"Yeah," Harry replied.
"Ms. Ana!!" Lelaca squealed when she noticed Anaka and Harry. Her big brown eyes grew wide and she scooped up Sunfire. Anaka smiled as the small house elf ran towards them.
"How have you been Lelaca? How's Sunfire?" Anaka asked. She took Sunfire from Lelaca and hugged him tightly. Sunfire purred soothingly and rubbed against her.
"Lelaca was fine until Black showed up," Lelaca said making a sour face, "The house smells like dog now and Lelaca must clean up his messes and cook for him and do all the chores with no help at all!"
She pulled on her long ears and shook her head hard.
"Me no like it at all!"
"Maybe I could help you do some work," Harry suggested. The house elf stopped and looked up at Harry.
"Oh would you?! Oh Mr. Harry Potter is so nice! So kind he is to little Lelaca, not like that mean old Black, oh no!"
As Lelaca started to list the things Harry could do Anaka held back a laugh. Harry's face grew paler with each chore though he nodded politely and did not object when Lelaca grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the house. Harry looked over his shoulder and gave Anaka an apologetic look. Anaka smiled at him and watched them go into the house.
"So how have you been Sunfire?" Anaka said looking into the face of her kneazle. As he crooned a reply Anaka laughed and put him on the ground.
"Let's have some fun for a change!" she cried running after the kneazle.
*******************************************
Leslie had gotten all her trunks up without any trouble and put them in the room that seemed to be a study. She opened her trunks and made sure she had brought everything. Then she quickly wrote a letter to Severus telling him not to worry and that she would be fine.
Leslie sealed the letter and put extra spells on her trunks. No matter what Remus said she did not trust Sirius Black one bit. As she quietly walked down the stairs Leslie could hear the murmur of voices coming from the kitchen. Once Leslie reached the bottom of the stairs the door burst open and in came Lelaca with Harry close behind.
"Hi Leslie," Harry said with a weak smile, "I told Lelaca I'd help her with some cleaning and I'm starting to regret it."
Leslie smiled as Lelaca rebuked him.
"Harry would it be alright if I used Hedwig to send a letter?"
"Sure," Harry replied as he was dragged up the stairs. Leslie opened Hedwig's cage and gave the owl the letter.
"Just give this to Severus," she said opening the door. Hedwig was gone in a flash, grateful for being let out of her cage.
Leslie sighed and stared out the door. She watched the small rode with a curious expression. There seemed to be something coming towards the house.
"Remus," Leslie called into the house when she could clearly see a carriage coming towards the house, "Someone's coming."
Remus and Sirius walked quickly out of the kitchen. Leslie, Remus, and Sirius walked outside the house and watched as the black carriage stopped in front of them. The door opened and a small elderly man jumped out. He quickly fixed his glasses and examined them. The man took a piece of paper out of his pocket and stared at it for a moment.
"Can I help you?" Remus asked.
Suddenly a hand shot out of the dark carriage and slammed the door shut. Leslie stared at it suspiciously and tried to see through the tinted windows.
"I'm here to see a Ms. Brand," the man said quietly. They all turned and looked at Leslie.
"That's me," she said slowly.
"Well then let's get to business. I have been sent by the American Ministry to give you a full physical."
"A what?" Leslie said with surprise.
"I have a letter with the Minister's signature," he said holding up the piece of paper, "before you can return to the United States you must have a check up."
Leslie stared at the piece of paper stating Leslie needed a full physical before returning to the States.
"Oh all right," Leslie growled.
"Good, good," the man said stuffing the paper back into his pocket, "I'm Doctor Slotchburg. Is it alright if we use one of your rooms Mr. Lupin?"
"Of course," Remus said with a slightly confused expression. He watched them enter the house.
"Someone's in there," Sirius said squinting at the carriage.
"You should go to the lake or something before he or whoever is in there recognizes you," Remus said hurriedly. Sirius nodded but continued to look at the carriage suspiciously on his way to the lake.
********************************************
Leslie shivered slightly at the sight of the doctor's needle.
"I'm just going to draw a little bit of blood," he said with a warm smile. Leslie nodded. She watched as he drew the blood and put a band-aid on the small cut.
"Well I believe I'm finished," he said collecting his things.
"That was short," she replied puzzled.
"All that was really important was the blood," he said curtly walking out the door and down the stairs.
"What are you talking about? Wait!" Leslie cried. She ran down the stairs and out the door only to see the doctor jumping into the carriage.
Leslie ran towards Remus as the carriage disappeared.
"That was one strange doctor," Leslie said staring at the road.
*******************************************
The doctor trembled as the three cloaked figures in the carriage removed their hoods.
"Did you get the blood?" one of them asked. The doctor nodded.
"Then test it," snapped another.
The Death Eater handed him a small pill. The doctor dropped it into the small vile of blood and sighed with relief as the blood started to change to a rusty yellow color.
"The disease is latent in her blood and will only start to work once you give her one of those pills," said the doctor with a sigh.
The Death Eaters smiled evilly at the doctor.
"Well done," one of them replied.
"So I can go home now?" he said nervously.
"I'm afraid we have to make sure you keep this a secret," said the other quietly.
"And I think I know just the way," laughed the other taking out his wand.
***************************************************
Remus watched the others eat at dinner. He felt a feeling of happiness surge through him. He could not remember the last time his house had been so full of laughter since Molly died. The sound of something lightly tapping on the window caught Harry's attention.
"Hedwig's back!" he cried recognizing his owl. Remus quickly stood and opened the window. Hedwig flew to Harry and dropped seven letters into his lap.
"Wow, you got a lot of mail," Sirius remarked seeing the letters.
"It's not all for me," Harry replied looking at the letters.
There were two letters for Harry, one from Hermoine and one from Ron, there were three letters for Anaka, one from Ron, one from Hermione, and one from John, and there was two letters for Leslie, one from Severus and one from the Ministry. Leslie quietly excused herself and left the room. Sirius grunted on seeing her leave but said nothing. Remus sighed.
"Anything interesting?" he asked.
"Actually," Anaka said happily, "John's invited us all to a party."
"All?" Sirius said with a surprised expression.
"Yes. He's invited me, dad, Harry, Leslie, and you but he said he would understand if you turn him down. After all, you don't want someone recognizing you."
"What would a party be without me there?" he answered with a mischievous smile.
Remus rolled his eyes and smiled at his friend.
"There's something else," Anaka said re-reading the letter, "He says to wear something formal, preferable something you would wear for a ball."
"This family is rich right?" Harry asked.
"Yup," Anaka said, still a little surprised, "I can't wait. I've never been to a ball before!"
**************************************************
Leslie read her letters carefully and slowly. While she couldn't help but smile every time she read Severus's letter, Leslie couldn't help but frown every time she read the one from the Ministry. Now that the time to leave had come she felt quite reluctant.
Remus knocking on her door interrupted her thoughts.
"You'll never believe what we have been invited too," he said with a smile, "The Miffugans have just sent us an invitation to a ball."
*****************************************************
Sirius, deciding to not go to the ball, looked curiously at Leslie's trunks. Of course he knew they were locked but that didn't keep him from trying. His eyes wandered around the room and fell on her letters. Sirius smiled as he took them and sat on the bed. He rolled his eyes as he read Severus's letter.
"What a git," he mumbled picking up the other. This time he felt a surge of happiness when he read the letter. Leslie was leaving tomorrow.
****************************************
Anaka, Remus, Leslie, and Harry entered the gigantic mansion with looks of shock on their faces. They had never seen such a rich neighborhood before. The ballroom in the mansion was magnificent. Candles floated everywhere and waiters and waitresses served drinks. Anaka, even wearing one of her mother's handmade gowns, felt out of place in the setting. She stared at the gowns and tuxedos of the other wizards and witches.
"Have you ever seen such beautiful things," Anaka gasped.
"Well I'm starved," Harry said eyeing the gigantic buffet, "Let's find John and then get something to eat."
The group huddled close together and wandered around the ballroom. As they reached the center they found a bunch of people surrounding the Miffugans.
The group politely squeezed through the crowd. Remus was not surprised to see Mr. Miffugan entertaining the crowd while Mrs. Miffugan gossiped with some of the women. Finally Remus found John. He was pretending to listen politely to an old wizard but Remus could tell his mind was somewhere else. John looked over the wizards shoulder, nodding silently. He sighed and pulled on his collar. He had always hated these occasions and the formalness of it all. He glanced out the windows of the ballroom wishing he could just fly away.
"Well look whose arrived!" Rich cried his eyes landing on the small surprised group of newcomers.
John looked at them and blinked in surprise. A smile crossed his face.
"Anaka! You all came!" he cried with joy rushing towards them and ignoring the old wizard.
"Of course we came," Anaka said with a smile.
"You certainly have a lovely place," Leslie said to Mrs. Miffugan.
"Oh just wait till you see the rest my dear. Please follow me."
Leslie gave an apologetic glance to Remus as she was dragged away.
"So Harry my lad, why don't you entertain my guests with your wondrous tales?" Mr. Miffugan suggested.
Before Harry could comment Rich had taken Remus by the arm and pushed through the crowd. John and Anaka followed.
"Have fun Harry," Anaka whispered as she passed him. Harry grew pale and gulped as the crowd closed around him.
"Poor Harry," Anaka said with a laugh, "We left him in quite an awkward situation."
"Oh Harry can fend for himself," John said quietly. He gently slipped his arm around hers and guided her out a door and onto a small balcony.
"The sky certainly looks beautiful tonight," Anaka said taking a deep breath.
"Not as beautiful as you," John replied. Anaka blushed slightly.
"There's something I needed to talk to you about," John said quietly, "now that you know about Abaron I'm sure of what must be done next. I knew Snape would never agree to this, Harry would not be allowed to leave England and Leslie is to busy with her own work to help us. So you might say you are my last hope. I'm leaving for New York soon. My mother is talking to Leslie now about the best places to stay until our house is done. I was hoping that you might…well…consider coming with me. After all, you have that ring."
Anaka stared at John slowly taking everything in.
"Go with you to New York? America?" she said slowly. John nodded.
"I'd like nothing better then to have you go with me," he said taking a step closer to her. He gently kissed her hand and Anaka smiled.
"How could I pass up such an opportunity? Of course I'll go if my father let's me!"
She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
**********************************************
"New York City will take some getting used to but I'll be happy to show your son and Anaka, if she is allowed to go, around the city," Leslie answered. Mrs. Miffugan smiled as they walked back to the main ballroom.
"I thank you with all my heart Ms. Brand," she replied, "My only wish is for my family to be safe and for my daughter to be found."
Leslie nodded. The ballroom was quickly emptying out and Leslie glanced at Mrs. Miffugan.
"It's over so soon?"
"Not entirely," she said curtly. Harry walked towards them looking tired.
"I never want to go to a ball again," he groaned.
"Sorry about that," Alania replied patting him on the head, "Now if you two will follow me we must go out of the ballroom and into the library. There are some people you need to meet."
*****************************************************
Remus followed Rich gloomily. Mr. Miffugan had explained everything to Remus who had told him flat out no. Rich could hardly argue with his answer so all he did was tell him they were needed at the library. Rich quickly opened the door and they slipped in. Mr. Miffugan locked the door behind them and Remus glanced around the room. The room was full of a bunch of families along with the Miffugans, Anaka, Harry and Leslie. At a nod from Alania, John and his parents transformed. Remus blinked when to his surprise the other families followed. Bright lights of all colors blinded him as they all changed. Leslie slipped next to Remus.
"They're all Zekans," she gasped.
"The other families," he murmured.
"We all are looking for Abaron Remus," Rich said quietly, "and we know it's in New York. They need Anaka to go."
"We just want to find our home," Alania replied.
"It could all depend on me and Anaka finding it," John said gently.
"Please dad? Leslie will look after us I promise."
"Where will you stay?" Remus replied.
"I can get them two apartments in my building right next to each other, a floor below or above mine," Leslie answered.
"If you can find a school or a tutor," Remus said slowly, "Then I see no reason for why you can't go."
Leslie's eyes widened as they reached Remus and Anaka's home.
"It's so beautiful!" she exclaimed, "What a wonderful place to live!"
"Just wait till you see the lake," Anaka said with a smile.
They dragged their trunks to the front door and Remus quickly opened the door. He entered the house and smiled to himself as he looked at the familiar surroundings.
"Dad come on!" Anaka grunted as she dragged her trunk and her father's into the house.
Remus helped Harry and Leslie drag their trunks inside and then closed the door. He was about to tell them they would be staying upstairs when barking filled the house and a large black dog ran out of the kitchen.
"Sirius!" Harry cried, surprised.
"What on earth are you doing here?" Remus asked as Sirius stopped running and growling and trotted towards them. He smiled once he was back to himself.
"I did not know you were coming today," Sirius said hugging Harry, "Lelaca's been avoiding me as much as possible."
"Where is she?" Anaka asked.
"She's with Sunfire in the back giving him some exercise," he replied. Anaka smiled.
"Let's go see them Harry," she said opening the door. Sirius waited for the door to close before glaring at Leslie.
"What are you doing here?" he growled.
"I needed a place to stay and Remus offered. Well, Anaka did actually."
"She's going to stay here?" Sirius said turning to Remus, "You have got to be kidding me."
"Do you have a problem with me Super dog?" Leslie snapped.
"Maybe," Sirius replied. Remus sighed as he watched the scene.
"So when did you get here? You did kind of disappear after everything," Remus said changing the subject.
"I arrived only about two days ago," Sirius replied. Leslie rolled her eyes and looked over her trunks.
"How long will you be staying?" she asked.
"I don't know," Sirius answered, "Maybe longer then I expected now."
Leslie gave him a scolding look.
"Where can I bring my trunks?" she asked.
"Upstairs," Remus said quickly before Sirius could voice his nasty reply.
"Good. I'll bring them up. Oh and Remus can you remind me to do something?"
"Sure," Remus replied.
"Remind me to put extra locking spells on my trunks. I don't need him going through them."
Remus sighed and watched as Leslie walked up the stairs with one of her trunks floating behind her.
"You really need to get rid of her," Sirius mumbled, "She always seems to be around."
"So?" Remus said glaring at his friend, "If you are going to stay here you have to promise to be nice to her. Otherwise you can hand yourself in for all I care."
Sirius shook his head and smiled at his friend as Remus walked into the kitchen. Sirius followed.
"You are still hung up on her huh?" he teased.
"I'm not hung up on anyone," Remus mumbled as he started to make tea.
"Well you still like her, that's obvious."
"You just don't like her because she is the only girl you've known who did not like you."
"No one ever liked me! I don't know what you are talking about Remus."
"Oh please. Almost every girl in Hogwarts liked you."
"Almost is the key word in that sentence."
***********************************
Anaka ran across the yard, taking in the familiar settings. Harry ran beside her and they slowed down once Lelaca and Sunfire were in sight. Anaka smiled as she watched the pair.
"Sunfire looks good doesn't he?" Anaka asked Harry absently.
"Yeah," Harry replied.
"Ms. Ana!!" Lelaca squealed when she noticed Anaka and Harry. Her big brown eyes grew wide and she scooped up Sunfire. Anaka smiled as the small house elf ran towards them.
"How have you been Lelaca? How's Sunfire?" Anaka asked. She took Sunfire from Lelaca and hugged him tightly. Sunfire purred soothingly and rubbed against her.
"Lelaca was fine until Black showed up," Lelaca said making a sour face, "The house smells like dog now and Lelaca must clean up his messes and cook for him and do all the chores with no help at all!"
She pulled on her long ears and shook her head hard.
"Me no like it at all!"
"Maybe I could help you do some work," Harry suggested. The house elf stopped and looked up at Harry.
"Oh would you?! Oh Mr. Harry Potter is so nice! So kind he is to little Lelaca, not like that mean old Black, oh no!"
As Lelaca started to list the things Harry could do Anaka held back a laugh. Harry's face grew paler with each chore though he nodded politely and did not object when Lelaca grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the house. Harry looked over his shoulder and gave Anaka an apologetic look. Anaka smiled at him and watched them go into the house.
"So how have you been Sunfire?" Anaka said looking into the face of her kneazle. As he crooned a reply Anaka laughed and put him on the ground.
"Let's have some fun for a change!" she cried running after the kneazle.
*******************************************
Leslie had gotten all her trunks up without any trouble and put them in the room that seemed to be a study. She opened her trunks and made sure she had brought everything. Then she quickly wrote a letter to Severus telling him not to worry and that she would be fine.
Leslie sealed the letter and put extra spells on her trunks. No matter what Remus said she did not trust Sirius Black one bit. As she quietly walked down the stairs Leslie could hear the murmur of voices coming from the kitchen. Once Leslie reached the bottom of the stairs the door burst open and in came Lelaca with Harry close behind.
"Hi Leslie," Harry said with a weak smile, "I told Lelaca I'd help her with some cleaning and I'm starting to regret it."
Leslie smiled as Lelaca rebuked him.
"Harry would it be alright if I used Hedwig to send a letter?"
"Sure," Harry replied as he was dragged up the stairs. Leslie opened Hedwig's cage and gave the owl the letter.
"Just give this to Severus," she said opening the door. Hedwig was gone in a flash, grateful for being let out of her cage.
Leslie sighed and stared out the door. She watched the small rode with a curious expression. There seemed to be something coming towards the house.
"Remus," Leslie called into the house when she could clearly see a carriage coming towards the house, "Someone's coming."
Remus and Sirius walked quickly out of the kitchen. Leslie, Remus, and Sirius walked outside the house and watched as the black carriage stopped in front of them. The door opened and a small elderly man jumped out. He quickly fixed his glasses and examined them. The man took a piece of paper out of his pocket and stared at it for a moment.
"Can I help you?" Remus asked.
Suddenly a hand shot out of the dark carriage and slammed the door shut. Leslie stared at it suspiciously and tried to see through the tinted windows.
"I'm here to see a Ms. Brand," the man said quietly. They all turned and looked at Leslie.
"That's me," she said slowly.
"Well then let's get to business. I have been sent by the American Ministry to give you a full physical."
"A what?" Leslie said with surprise.
"I have a letter with the Minister's signature," he said holding up the piece of paper, "before you can return to the United States you must have a check up."
Leslie stared at the piece of paper stating Leslie needed a full physical before returning to the States.
"Oh all right," Leslie growled.
"Good, good," the man said stuffing the paper back into his pocket, "I'm Doctor Slotchburg. Is it alright if we use one of your rooms Mr. Lupin?"
"Of course," Remus said with a slightly confused expression. He watched them enter the house.
"Someone's in there," Sirius said squinting at the carriage.
"You should go to the lake or something before he or whoever is in there recognizes you," Remus said hurriedly. Sirius nodded but continued to look at the carriage suspiciously on his way to the lake.
********************************************
Leslie shivered slightly at the sight of the doctor's needle.
"I'm just going to draw a little bit of blood," he said with a warm smile. Leslie nodded. She watched as he drew the blood and put a band-aid on the small cut.
"Well I believe I'm finished," he said collecting his things.
"That was short," she replied puzzled.
"All that was really important was the blood," he said curtly walking out the door and down the stairs.
"What are you talking about? Wait!" Leslie cried. She ran down the stairs and out the door only to see the doctor jumping into the carriage.
Leslie ran towards Remus as the carriage disappeared.
"That was one strange doctor," Leslie said staring at the road.
*******************************************
The doctor trembled as the three cloaked figures in the carriage removed their hoods.
"Did you get the blood?" one of them asked. The doctor nodded.
"Then test it," snapped another.
The Death Eater handed him a small pill. The doctor dropped it into the small vile of blood and sighed with relief as the blood started to change to a rusty yellow color.
"The disease is latent in her blood and will only start to work once you give her one of those pills," said the doctor with a sigh.
The Death Eaters smiled evilly at the doctor.
"Well done," one of them replied.
"So I can go home now?" he said nervously.
"I'm afraid we have to make sure you keep this a secret," said the other quietly.
"And I think I know just the way," laughed the other taking out his wand.
***************************************************
Remus watched the others eat at dinner. He felt a feeling of happiness surge through him. He could not remember the last time his house had been so full of laughter since Molly died. The sound of something lightly tapping on the window caught Harry's attention.
"Hedwig's back!" he cried recognizing his owl. Remus quickly stood and opened the window. Hedwig flew to Harry and dropped seven letters into his lap.
"Wow, you got a lot of mail," Sirius remarked seeing the letters.
"It's not all for me," Harry replied looking at the letters.
There were two letters for Harry, one from Hermoine and one from Ron, there were three letters for Anaka, one from Ron, one from Hermione, and one from John, and there was two letters for Leslie, one from Severus and one from the Ministry. Leslie quietly excused herself and left the room. Sirius grunted on seeing her leave but said nothing. Remus sighed.
"Anything interesting?" he asked.
"Actually," Anaka said happily, "John's invited us all to a party."
"All?" Sirius said with a surprised expression.
"Yes. He's invited me, dad, Harry, Leslie, and you but he said he would understand if you turn him down. After all, you don't want someone recognizing you."
"What would a party be without me there?" he answered with a mischievous smile.
Remus rolled his eyes and smiled at his friend.
"There's something else," Anaka said re-reading the letter, "He says to wear something formal, preferable something you would wear for a ball."
"This family is rich right?" Harry asked.
"Yup," Anaka said, still a little surprised, "I can't wait. I've never been to a ball before!"
**************************************************
Leslie read her letters carefully and slowly. While she couldn't help but smile every time she read Severus's letter, Leslie couldn't help but frown every time she read the one from the Ministry. Now that the time to leave had come she felt quite reluctant.
Remus knocking on her door interrupted her thoughts.
"You'll never believe what we have been invited too," he said with a smile, "The Miffugans have just sent us an invitation to a ball."
*****************************************************
Sirius, deciding to not go to the ball, looked curiously at Leslie's trunks. Of course he knew they were locked but that didn't keep him from trying. His eyes wandered around the room and fell on her letters. Sirius smiled as he took them and sat on the bed. He rolled his eyes as he read Severus's letter.
"What a git," he mumbled picking up the other. This time he felt a surge of happiness when he read the letter. Leslie was leaving tomorrow.
****************************************
Anaka, Remus, Leslie, and Harry entered the gigantic mansion with looks of shock on their faces. They had never seen such a rich neighborhood before. The ballroom in the mansion was magnificent. Candles floated everywhere and waiters and waitresses served drinks. Anaka, even wearing one of her mother's handmade gowns, felt out of place in the setting. She stared at the gowns and tuxedos of the other wizards and witches.
"Have you ever seen such beautiful things," Anaka gasped.
"Well I'm starved," Harry said eyeing the gigantic buffet, "Let's find John and then get something to eat."
The group huddled close together and wandered around the ballroom. As they reached the center they found a bunch of people surrounding the Miffugans.
The group politely squeezed through the crowd. Remus was not surprised to see Mr. Miffugan entertaining the crowd while Mrs. Miffugan gossiped with some of the women. Finally Remus found John. He was pretending to listen politely to an old wizard but Remus could tell his mind was somewhere else. John looked over the wizards shoulder, nodding silently. He sighed and pulled on his collar. He had always hated these occasions and the formalness of it all. He glanced out the windows of the ballroom wishing he could just fly away.
"Well look whose arrived!" Rich cried his eyes landing on the small surprised group of newcomers.
John looked at them and blinked in surprise. A smile crossed his face.
"Anaka! You all came!" he cried with joy rushing towards them and ignoring the old wizard.
"Of course we came," Anaka said with a smile.
"You certainly have a lovely place," Leslie said to Mrs. Miffugan.
"Oh just wait till you see the rest my dear. Please follow me."
Leslie gave an apologetic glance to Remus as she was dragged away.
"So Harry my lad, why don't you entertain my guests with your wondrous tales?" Mr. Miffugan suggested.
Before Harry could comment Rich had taken Remus by the arm and pushed through the crowd. John and Anaka followed.
"Have fun Harry," Anaka whispered as she passed him. Harry grew pale and gulped as the crowd closed around him.
"Poor Harry," Anaka said with a laugh, "We left him in quite an awkward situation."
"Oh Harry can fend for himself," John said quietly. He gently slipped his arm around hers and guided her out a door and onto a small balcony.
"The sky certainly looks beautiful tonight," Anaka said taking a deep breath.
"Not as beautiful as you," John replied. Anaka blushed slightly.
"There's something I needed to talk to you about," John said quietly, "now that you know about Abaron I'm sure of what must be done next. I knew Snape would never agree to this, Harry would not be allowed to leave England and Leslie is to busy with her own work to help us. So you might say you are my last hope. I'm leaving for New York soon. My mother is talking to Leslie now about the best places to stay until our house is done. I was hoping that you might…well…consider coming with me. After all, you have that ring."
Anaka stared at John slowly taking everything in.
"Go with you to New York? America?" she said slowly. John nodded.
"I'd like nothing better then to have you go with me," he said taking a step closer to her. He gently kissed her hand and Anaka smiled.
"How could I pass up such an opportunity? Of course I'll go if my father let's me!"
She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
**********************************************
"New York City will take some getting used to but I'll be happy to show your son and Anaka, if she is allowed to go, around the city," Leslie answered. Mrs. Miffugan smiled as they walked back to the main ballroom.
"I thank you with all my heart Ms. Brand," she replied, "My only wish is for my family to be safe and for my daughter to be found."
Leslie nodded. The ballroom was quickly emptying out and Leslie glanced at Mrs. Miffugan.
"It's over so soon?"
"Not entirely," she said curtly. Harry walked towards them looking tired.
"I never want to go to a ball again," he groaned.
"Sorry about that," Alania replied patting him on the head, "Now if you two will follow me we must go out of the ballroom and into the library. There are some people you need to meet."
*****************************************************
Remus followed Rich gloomily. Mr. Miffugan had explained everything to Remus who had told him flat out no. Rich could hardly argue with his answer so all he did was tell him they were needed at the library. Rich quickly opened the door and they slipped in. Mr. Miffugan locked the door behind them and Remus glanced around the room. The room was full of a bunch of families along with the Miffugans, Anaka, Harry and Leslie. At a nod from Alania, John and his parents transformed. Remus blinked when to his surprise the other families followed. Bright lights of all colors blinded him as they all changed. Leslie slipped next to Remus.
"They're all Zekans," she gasped.
"The other families," he murmured.
"We all are looking for Abaron Remus," Rich said quietly, "and we know it's in New York. They need Anaka to go."
"We just want to find our home," Alania replied.
"It could all depend on me and Anaka finding it," John said gently.
"Please dad? Leslie will look after us I promise."
"Where will you stay?" Remus replied.
"I can get them two apartments in my building right next to each other, a floor below or above mine," Leslie answered.
"If you can find a school or a tutor," Remus said slowly, "Then I see no reason for why you can't go."
